U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff’s recent visit to a U.S.-backed aid operation in Gaza has ignited significant controversy, especially given the United Nations’ partial blame of the initiative for exacerbating deadly conditions within the besieged enclave. Witkoff’s stated purpose for the visit was to assess the humanitarian situation and facilitate the delivery of crucial food and medical aid to the distressed populace.
The core of this contentious operation lies with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an entity supported by both the United States and Israel. Operating in Rafah, a severely war-affected region of the Palestinian territory, the GHF aims to provide relief amidst ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, yet its methods and impact remain under intense scrutiny.
Humanitarian organizations and numerous foreign governments have vocally criticized the GHF since its inception in late May. These critiques highlight concerns over the foundation’s operational transparency, distribution efficacy, and potential for unintended consequences in an already fragile environment.
Adding to the urgency of the situation, a global hunger monitor issued a dire warning just this week, confirming that a full-scale famine is now unfolding across Gaza. This alarming assessment underscores the critical need for effective and unhindered humanitarian assistance, making the GHF’s role even more pivotal and controversial.
Tragically, hours after Witkoff’s visit, Palestinian medics reported that Israeli forces shot and killed three Palestinians near one of the GHF’s sites in Rafah. This incident follows a United Nations report indicating that over 1,000 individuals have perished while attempting to receive aid in Gaza since the GHF began operations, with a majority reportedly shot by Israeli forces near GHF locations.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, accompanying Witkoff, further publicized the mission on social media, sharing an image depicting hungry Gazans behind razor wire alongside a GHF poster. GHF spokesperson Chapin Fay emphasized the foundation’s priority: “President Trump understands the stakes in Gaza and that feeding civilians, not Hamas, must be the priority,” aligning the mission with specific political objectives.
Witkoff reiterated the visit’s humanitarian imperative, stating his aim was to provide former President Donald Trump with a clear understanding of the severe conditions and to help formulate a robust plan for delivering essential food and medical supplies to the people of Gaza, thereby addressing the pressing needs on the ground.
The envoy’s trip to Gaza, following a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, comes at a time when Israel faces escalating international pressure. Concerns are mounting over the widespread devastation inflicted upon Gaza since the war’s commencement and the dire starvation crisis affecting its 2.2 million inhabitants, intensifying calls for immediate humanitarian intervention and accountability.
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